Ronald Araujo would reportedly be keen to prove himself in the Premier League and give Arsenal a huge boost track the Juventus-affiliated Barcelona vice-captain.
Araujo is looking to revive his career after a lengthy layoff due to a hamstring injury and has been heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona at a time when talks over a new contract have not yet progressed.
Serie A giants Juventus are known to be fans and were said to have recently agreed a loan deal with Araujo before Arsenal were tipped to join the race to sign him.
Leading Spanish publication Mundo Sports claim that Araujo has not shied away from discussing his situation with those close to him in the Barcelona dressing room. The centre-back is said to have admitted privately that he is considering leaving the club, with the expected free transfer signing of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen likely to limit his playing time even further.
These behind-the-scenes conversations claim Araujo has confirmed he would prioritize a move to the Premier League if he leaves Barcelona.
Araujo is said to believe Mikel Arteta’s style of football would suit him and he would be interested to hear what Arsenal have to say about it. It should be stressed that a move to Juventus, whose desire to sign him appears to be strongest at the moment, is not out of the question.
Barcelona’s refusal to consider a loan move further boosts Arsenal’s hopes of signing Araujo. Juventus are believed to be unable to complete a permanent transfer, while the Gunners may have the financial resources to get a deal over the line.
The Bianconeri are also keen to strengthen their forward line – Man Utd and Tottenham-linked Randal Kolo Muani is their main target – and the Frenchman would make up a significant portion of the club’s wage bill.
As for Araujo, he has 18 months left on his current contract and it has been warned that the club will look to cash in if he doesn’t renew soon.